Teen denies charges related to Elkhart girl's death

-Status hearing set for Jan. 9 for former student at Elkhart Memorial.

-Status hearing set for Jan. 9 for former student at Elkhart Memorial.

December 27, 2006|YONIKA WILLIS Tribune Staff Writer

ELKHART -- A former Elkhart Memorial High School student has denied charges of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon and possession of a handgun on school property in connection with 11-year-old Aaliyah Joiner's death. During an initial hearing on the matter Tuesday, the teen's attorney, Clifford Williams, asked for a status hearing to be held Jan. 9. At that hearing, the teen will have a final opportunity to change his plea on the charges. The 16-year-old was arrested after the alleged gun used to shoot Aaliyah earlier this month was traced back to him. The Tribune is withholding the teen's name because of his juvenile status. Aaliyah was found Dec. 4 on the floor of her grandparents' home at 613 W. Lusher Ave., suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. She died the next day at a Fort Wayne hospital. The teen will remain in police custody until his Jan. 9 hearing.